Textbook Question
A microbiome is composed of _____.
a. single, pure populations
b. all organisms in a locale
c. all microbes in a location
d. only the bacteria are considered
623
views
21. Principles of Disease
The Human Microbiome
2:40 minutesProblem 9
Textbook Question
Which of the following subcutaneous mycoses may exhibit respiratory and cerebral forms?
a. Chromoblastomycosis
b. Mycetoma
c. Phaeohyphomycosis
d. Sporotrichosis
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the nature of subcutaneous mycoses. These are fungal infections that primarily affect the skin and subcutaneous tissues, often entering through trauma. However, some can disseminate to other organs, including the lungs (respiratory) and brain (cerebral).
Step 2: Review each option's typical clinical presentation and potential for dissemination:
- Chromoblastomycosis usually causes chronic skin lesions and rarely spreads to internal organs.
- Mycetoma is characterized by localized swelling and sinus tract formation, primarily affecting skin and underlying tissues, with rare systemic spread.
- Phaeohyphomycosis is caused by dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi and can present as localized subcutaneous infections but is also known to cause disseminated infections, including respiratory and cerebral involvement, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Sporotrichosis typically presents as lymphocutaneous infection but can disseminate, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, sometimes involving lungs and CNS.
Step 3: Compare the likelihood of respiratory and cerebral forms among these diseases. Both phaeohyphomycosis and sporotrichosis can disseminate, but phaeohyphomycosis is more commonly associated with cerebral involvement.
Step 4: Conclude that the subcutaneous mycosis known for respiratory and cerebral forms is phaeohyphomycosis.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Subcutaneous Mycoses
Subcutaneous mycoses are fungal infections that primarily affect the skin and underlying tissues, usually entering through trauma. They are typically localized but can sometimes disseminate. Understanding their typical clinical presentations helps differentiate among various types.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:58
Physical Barriers in First-Line Defenses: Skin
Dissemination and Systemic Involvement in Mycoses
Some subcutaneous fungal infections can spread beyond the skin to involve internal organs like the lungs and brain. Recognizing which fungi have the potential for respiratory and cerebral involvement is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:25Introduction to the Complement System
Characteristics of Specific Subcutaneous Mycoses
Each subcutaneous mycosis—chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis, and sporotrichosis—has distinct features. For example, sporotrichosis can disseminate causing respiratory and cerebral forms, unlike chromoblastomycosis or mycetoma, which are usually localized.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:09Intro to Characteristics of Infectious Disease
Related Videos
Related Practice